Also posted on http://www.thecharlestonadventure.com This is a quick tour around Charleston South Carolina showing some of the things to do in Charleston that await visitors to this magnificent and historic city. Charleston South Carolina, A city of history, hospitality, and a heaping dose of good ole southern charm. Hi I'm Carl In this short video you'll see Charleston come alive and you'll understand why one magazine recently voted it the number one tourist destination in all of America. Something I've known for years. One of the best ways to learn about Charleston's past is to take a tour. And one of the fun ways to tour the city.... is in a horse drawn carriage. That's exactly what I did on a recent visit. As Kevin, supplied the.... uh horsepower, our knowledgable guide entertained and informed us with many interesting tidbits regarding Charleston's rich history, a city whose beginning dates back more than a hundred years before the founding of America. Add in the picture perfect weather we enjoyed, and you've got the recipe for an experience that's hard to beat. If exercise is more your style, one of the many walking tours may better suit your needs. Charleston's downtown business and residential districts are compact and perfect for a relaxed and entertaining walk as you appreciate the history and beauty all around you. At some point in your visit, you'll probably find yourself meandering through City Market, as will most of Charleston's 4 million annual visitors. This Charleston landmark has been around since the 1790's. Today from among the hundreds of local vendors, you can find just the right item to purchase and keep as a souvenir or to give as that special gift. The city of Charleston proper boasts 90 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with another 96 in the remaining parts of the county. As you witness the variety of these restored treasures, you'll appreciate why Charleston was considered the cultural center of the antebellum South. Since we're talking historical homes, make sure you stroll along East Battery street toward White Point Garden. You'll enjoy the beauty of the magnificent row of stately antebellum homes that line the street to your right as Charleston harbor splashes against the battery seawall on which you walk. Charleston's visitors also enjoy the city by water. There are numerous Harbor tours where one can get a better sense of Charleston's skyline, and with an evening cruise, enjoy a beautiful sunset as well. Another harbor treat is to view the Ravenel bridge up close and personal. This Charleston landmark doesn't have the history that attracts so many to the Holy City, having been completed less than a decade ago, but it makes up for its newcomer status by its sheer size, spanning two and a half miles in length, and rising to the majestic height of 575 feet. This 8 lane engineering marvel connects downtown Charleston to Mt Pleasant, and one day a year, 40 thousand runners use it for their own personal highway in what's known as the Cooper River Bridge Run. And who could visit Charleston and not take the boat to Fort Sumter, the scene of the first battle of the war between the States. After a 30 minute narrated cruise, you'll step foot on the very soil where America's most bloody war began. Once on site National Park Service Rangers will provide more details of this regrettable episode in our nation's history. Charleston is also known for its Plantations. You'd be hard pressed to fully understand what makes downtown Charleston what it is without visiting and learning more about the role played by these historic and massive plantations. And while we're out and about, this is the perfect time for me to tell you that there are no less than 5 beaches within 25 miles of Charleston. Whether your accommodations are on the beach, or you simply come to spend a peaceful sun drenched day, it's the perfect complement to your downtown Charleston adventure. Did I hear someone say shopping? Just so you know, King street was recently chosen as one of the 10 best shopping streets in the United States. Whether its antiques, art, or fashion, you'll find it all.. I say... shop on! All this activity will surely make you hungry enough to eat a horse...... oops..... sorry Kevin, my bad...... whether its fine dinning or various other award winning eateries, from barbecue to bistro, from cafe to cafeteria, from tavern to tearoom, and others too numerous to list, Charleston has it all. Then when daylight turns to darkness, you'll have to take a break from your non stop Charleston adventure. Charleston's travelers have access to some of the most elegant accommodations. Whether you're looking for historic charm, a private hideaway, or unparalleled luxury, your nights in Charleston will be as perfect as your days. Budget conscious families also have many alternatives from which to choose.

• published: 22 Jul 2013
• views: 87858